Choosing Care for a Relative with Learning Difficulties

Caring for a relative with learning difficulties can be a difficult and stressful undertaking, but, the good news is that there is help available. Many people make the mistake of assuming that if they can’t look after a family member, the only option is to make arrangements for them to live in a care home. That may have been true many years ago, but today there are a lot of very good home support services that can help adults with learning disabilities to live a relatively normal life.

In addition, there are also organizations that offer activities for adults with learning difficulties. If you need a break from looking after a family member, then you could arrange for them to take part in some scheduled activities. These activities range from days out and social meetings, which would give you a break for a couple of hours each week, to residential trips where your relative will get to take part in a range of activities – from crafts to sports – while you are free to take a well deserved holiday yourself.

Gaining Independence

Many adults with learning difficulties struggle with being dependent on their family for day to day tasks. Some local councils offer support for people in that situation, with advice, equipment, and home support services available to help people with learning difficulties to move into their own homes, and keep up with their adult responsibilities.

The Cost of Care

Some home care services are expensive, however, in many cases, these costs can be offset by disability benefits. It is estimated that more than £16 billion in means-tested benefits and tax credits go unclaimed each year. That’s not counting the unclaimed non-means-tested benefits such as Disability Living Allowance which most people who need home support services should qualify for. This money is designed to help you meet the care needs of a disabled person, so don’t be shy about claiming it.

Look after yourself

When you are responsible for another adult, it’s all too easy to neglect your own health and wellbeing. Even if you decide that it’s best for you to remain the primary carer, don’t dismiss the option of making use of organized group activities for adults with learning difficulties as a way of giving yourself a day (or even just a few hours) off. Not only will you feel relaxed and refreshed after a little time off, your relative will most likely appreciate the chance to get out and have some fun, meeting new people and learning new skills along the way.

They may be apprehensive about spending time alone with strangers, at least the first time they go on a day out, but that’s perfectly normal. Once they get started they should have a lot of fun, and will look forward to future outings.

It’s probably a good idea to start with short meetings or day trips, building up to residential outings as they gain confidence and get used to being in social situations.